I suppose I can come across as being "pretentious" but it wasn't my intention. I teach theory so I guess it's a part of my mindset.

I do agree that, just because you know how it works in theory, it doesn't always translate to a great composition. It does help, but you still need to have the "talent" or the "gift" so to speak. You only have to look at Beethoven, knowledge and talent. Oh, if only...(sigh)

I went to a pre-exam meeting for teachers and the examiner for that year commented "just because a student can play a whole bunch of scales doesn't mean they are a good musician".

Says it all really!

yjoh

[i]Music...a joy for life.